The Villa Times - 12/01/2006

Sources close to Portsmouth are whispering that Lee Hendrie might be available for £1.5million + a £500 000 add on if they stay up.

Reports are linking us with a possible swap deal with Reading. Steve Sidwell moving to Villa Park and Hendrie going the opposite way. I rate this as being highly unlikely, the club have said there will be no players coming in during the January transfer window.

Reserve team manager Kevin McDonald is being linked with the backroom staff of the Republic of Ireland to join up with Steve Staunton. Full story: Click Here

Loads of stories about the transfer deal being close to collapse, collapsing, not collapsing, going ahead etc. All bull until announcements are made, however I've been told that the one in the Express by Harry Harris saying that Ellis will pull the plug on the deal could be close to the truth as the reporter has impeccable contacts. Others say that the next 48 hours are crucial. Full story: Click Here

Jlloyd Samuel has again been linked to Charlton as the left back says his 'future is uncertain.' Can't see how we can sell him, Bouma appears fairly injury prone and Barry doesn't like playing at left back!? Full story: Click Here

Doug meanwhile underwent surgery on Monday and claims. Rumours were he was in very ill health, but according to the man himself, he simply had a small procedure. Full story: Click Here

De La Cruz still wants talks with O'Leary over the chance of leaving Villa Park in order to get first team football and push his claims for the World Cup next summer.

Kevin Phillips is close to full fitness and looking to fight his way back into the starting line up. He admits that he doesn't expect to just walk straight back in. Full story: Click Here

Wilfred Bouma won't be fit for the home game v West Ham on Saturday and could miss a further two weeks. Barry also misses out as he serves a one match suspension. Full story:Click Here

Eirik Bakke has told O'Leary that he wants to remain at Villa until the end of the season despite reports linking him elsewhere. More worryingly (!) the manager has told Villa's board that he wants to keep the player. Hmmm! Bakke can re-join the squad for the weekends clash having been forced to sit out the cup clash v Hull. Full story: Click Here

Villa reserves beat Wigan 3-0 away from home and Sam Williams scored two taking his tally to nine goals in seven games. Gabriel Agbonlahor scored the other goal.

Thought for the day: You're getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster.